The Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) aims to enhance the economic development and competitiveness in developing countries - in particular Least Developed Countries - through efficient trade logistics services and transit transport systems; science, technology and innovation, including increased access to and sustainable use of information and communication technologies; and training and capacity-building programmes for local institutions.

The Division achieves this through analytical work, intergovernmental policy dialogue and the implementation of technical cooperation, training and capacity building programmes.

News

UNCTAD trained 19 senior managers as local instructors of its TrainForTrade Port Training Programme. The training was organized in Manila, Philippines from 19 to 22 November, in collaboration with the Philippine Ports Authority.

Mobile money – the use of cell phones for money transfers, payments and more sophisticated financial activities such as credit, savings, and insurance – is increasingly popular in East Africa. While it offers the potential for increased financial inclusion, it could benefit from region-wide rules to coordinate and harmonize regulations, UNCTAD study says.

The results of three national assessments on women’s entrepreneurship development (WED) in East Africa conducted using a new framework developed by ILO and UNCTAD, through its Division on Technology and Logistics, found that ICTs are increasingly important for women entrepreneurs. Thanks to the rapid spread of mobile telephony and improved international broadband connectivity, there are now more opportunities to leverage such technologies in support of entrepreneurship.​

The globe’s longest-lasting and largest cycle of ship building finally began to slow in 2012, UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2013 reveals, but the effects of overcapacity are still being felt. Shipping rates remained low, threatening firms’ profitability, even as the volume shipped last year increased by 4.3 per cent.